A Dance Between Control and Surrender
Capturing the essence of movement, Flow is an exploration of form guided by forces beyond the artist’s hand. This contemporary ceramic sculpture, masterfully woven with traditional fibers, challenges the limits of its materials while celebrating the beauty of motion. Each organic curve and fold evokes a sense of flow, blurring the boundaries between the rigid and the fluid. It is a testament to the harmony between past and present, honoring craftsmanship while embracing new expressions.
"I don’t force the clay into shape—I let gravity guide it. As it hangs, it finds its own movement, its own rhythm. My hands just respond, shaping it in conversation with the material. It’s a dance between control and surrender, between what I intend and what the clay wants to be."
This philosophy is embedded in Flow, where gravity and tension shape the piece as much as the artist’s hands. The sculpture’s dynamic curves embody this conversation between artist and material, forming a structure that feels both spontaneous and intentional.
Tradition as Structure
Woven palm fibers—integral to Bahraini craftsmanship—are not just embellishments but structural elements within the piece. Hand-spun with burlap, these fibers provide reinforcement while paying homage to traditional weaving practices, seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary design.
"These woven palm fibers—they aren’t just decorative. They hold history, knowledge, and skills passed down through generations. And yet, here, they become part of something new. The fibers don’t just sit on the surface—they belong. They extend the movement of the piece, flowing with it, like they were always meant to be there."
This collaboration with a master palm-weaving artisan highlights the relevance of time-honored craft in modern design. These techniques are not relics of the past; they offer sustainable, tactile solutions for the future.
The Future of Design: A Continuum
"Design isn’t about forcing an outcome. It’s about working with materials, with forces—gravity, tension, balance—rather than against them. Not just building, but listening. Not just creating, but collaborating—with nature, with tradition, with innovation."
This philosophy is at the core of Design is Human, where the future of design is not only about what’s new but also about understanding what’s already here and allowing it to evolve in new contexts.
Acknowledgments
A special thanks to master weaving artisan Hassan Alshajjar for his collaboration, patience, and invaluable expertise in weaving traditions. His contribution helped bridge the gap between material heritage and contemporary expression, shaping Flow into a testament to the enduring power of craft and innovation.
Flow is a testament to the harmony between tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of movement through a delicate balance of natural forces and human touch. This sculpture will be exhibited at Milan Design Week 2025 with Isola, embracing the theme Design is Human.
